COVID-19 has made face masks an essential part of our daily lives. Often, wearing a mask can cause discomfort, but now you cannot do without one.
When you get a mask, go for one that feels comfortable when you wear it. Cloth masks are the best and they also obstruct breathing the least. They can also be reused.
The World Health Organization advises wearing masks that fit properly. It also says that masks should not be touched when they are worn to avoid contracting COVID.
Here are a few things you should pay attention to while wearing a mask
Three layers:
A mask should have three layers for effective protection against COVID. The outer layer should be made of water-resistant cloth. The middle layer should act as a filter and the inside one should be water-absorbent.
Using a cloth mask:
You wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean them with alcohol-based sanitiser before wearing the cloth mask
Inspect the mask thoroughly to ensure there is no damage.
While wearing a mask, ensure it covers both the mouth and the nose well. There should be no gap between the face and the mask.
Do not touch the outer layer of the mask to ensure that your hands are not contaminated. In case you touch the mask, wash your hands with soap and water or sanitize them.
While removing the mask:
Just as you wash your hands before wearing it, you should clean or sanitise them before removing the mask also.
Be careful not to remove the mask by touching the front layer. Remove it by taking the elastic part of the mask from behind the ears.
Wash your hands well after removing the mask.
If the mask is made of cloth, wash it along with your hands and then put it out to dry.
Remember these points, too:
Do not share your mask with anyone. If you make a mask at home, make two. When one is washed, the other can be used.
Keep the cloth mask in a pouch that can be washed. Such a pouch can be made at home itself.
After you return home, wash the mask with soap and warm water.
Wearing a mask alone will not ensure complete protection against COVID. To be safe, maintain social distance everywhere and avoid unnecessary contacts with objects and surfaces.
